Analysis of an operating model of a hydroelectric energy storage pumping system and its contribution to an isolated power grid: Case of Chira-Soria, in Gran Canaria

Abstract

The Canary Islands have adapted to the energy transition with an isolated electricity system for each island and a high dependence on fossil fuels. We believe that the island of Gran Canaria has a high probability of developing several hydroelectric energy storage plants. At the moment, the hydroelectric power station (HPS) Chira-Soria is in a public information phase and its contribution to the island's energy system must be studied because we have the hypothesis that it can greatly contribute to a context of greater penetration of renewable energy sources (RES) and will define the rest of the storage needs on the island. We believe that this technology will not exclude others, such as electrochemistry. To this end, we have built a dynamic operating model of the HPS. As a result, we have found that Chira-Soria HPS can store 25.73% of the excess electricity production (EEP) in the form of pumping and can produce 31.10% of the energy required. Looking at the resulting model, we can conclude that the Chira-Soria HPS will contribute efficiently to the system and will not prevent the introduction of other storage systems, such as the possible HPS between the dams of Las Niñas and Soria, or electrochemical storage, either distributed or concentrated. This model can be exported to other systems with similar characteristics.